Through our peer support programs and supported playgroups we support families who are experiencing isolation or need support. These programs help us reach out to families who may otherwise miss out on the fantastic experience of playgroup.
MyTime is a national initiative for parents and carers of children with a disability or a chronic medical condition. The program is run by the Parenting Research Centre as the national coordinator in partnership with local childhood and parenting services. MyTime is an opportunity for members to socialise and share ideas with other parents and carers. The program helps parents find out about available community support and meet others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role.
Groups are parent led; that is, parents choose what to do and what to talk about. Each group has a facilitator to coordinate the group, including providing resources and helping discussions between parents. Groups also have a play helper to engage children in activities, while parents are able to catch up.
PlayConnect supported Playgroups are planned, developmentally appropriate play and peer engagement opportunities for children with ASD and neurodevelopmental delays. These groups provide peer support opportunities for parents, carers and siblings to foster supportive social relationships with others who share similar experiences.
PlayTogether aims to increase the participation of children with disabilities and developmental delays in community playgroups by supporting children and families with a disability and developmental delay to participate in community playgroups and supporting volunteers, families and community playgroups to implement more inclusive practices. An element of the PlayTogether program is the provision of inclusion training and resources to playgroups staff, volunteers and community playgroup participants to build the capacity for inclusive practice.
PALS provides exposure for mainstream families to an inclusive playgroup setting, to inform their understanding and practice of inclusivity. PALS increases the opportunity for children with disability to connect with others in their community, participate in community activity and to develop social and play skills. Likewise, PALS also increases the opportunity for parents with children with disability to connect with and participate in community activity, develop parenting confidence and build peer support networks.
Start Strong Pathways program helps provide educational support for young children prior to preschool enrolment, strengthens the engagement of children within these services, and helps promote the importance of early childhood education to parents.
Check out our Playgroups who are looking for families to join them.
Children love playing with balls of all shapes and sizes. And with good reason: balls are great for group play, organised sports or just playing by yourself. They are also suitable for a variety of age groups (from babies to children and even adults).
Mothercraft nurse, Chris Minogue, answers one of Kinderling Radio listener’s question on how to keep their child safe on the ground.